Sandra D'Souza

Thanks for being on the podcast @rendev! It was a fun conversation I am glad we were able to share a lot of valuable info about the work Renee and the rest of the @EDGE_Sheridan team are doing to make a difference and create an impact!

@CydneyMar @Startup_Canada @scotiabank I love accumulating points - intentionally :)

@Startup_Canada @scotiabank A8 Investments, looking at taking advantage of bulk buying to maximize economies of scale, looking at payment terms & credit card purchase to accumulate points ( but pay it off! ) @Scotiabank #StartupChats

Q8 For businesses with positive cash flow and surplus revenues, what are some good strategies to optimize your funds? @Scotiabank #StartupChats

@Startup_Canada @scotiabank A7 - at a minimum monthly but more frequently depending on how close you are to the line! It depends on the nature of your business but you should always have a ballpark idea of where you are at any given time.

Q7 How often should you review your finances so you can optimize cash flow? @Scotiabank #StartupChats

@Startup_Canada @scotiabank when you are first starting it can be challenging and you may have to rely a little more on credit etc. but I think of any business owner should aim to build up a cash reserve - a min balance that you keep in your account in case of slowdowns in activity. #startupchats

Q6 What strategies could you put in place when cash flow is slow? @Scotiabank #StartupChats

@Startup_Canada @scotiabank A3 - its the lifeblood of any business. A business needs cash to function effectively - pay employees, vendors etc.

Q3 Why is cash flow important? @scotiabank #StartupChats

@Startup_Canada @scotiabank A good bookkeeper, accountant, banker, financial coach like @bissettfinfit can help you learn the basics of cashflow management &set up a process to help u stay on top of things. As a business owner, its in your best interests to manage your own cash. #startupchats

Q2 When it comes to cash flow, who should be on your team to help you understand and manage it? @scotiabank #StartupChats

@Startup_Canada @scotiabank Cash flow is all about timing - managing the cash coming in through sales etc. vs the cash going out - expenses, investments etc.

Q1 Let’s begin! Describe cash flow. What is it? What are the main reasons businesses might need to increase cash flow? @scotiabank #StartupChats

@THINK_Lyndon @bissettfinfit Glad to be here - as a chartered accountant turned recruiter and entrepreneur it is a topic that is important to me as well.

@infoSandstone @bissettfinfit Hi Sandra, I'm excited to have you part of today's chat. Cashflow is a really important issue for startups and small businesses #StartupChats

Looking forward to participating in the discussion today!! #startupchats Great to see my friend @bissettfinfit as the guest advisor today - she is definitely a cash flow expert!

Thought I would put this out there again - women helping women entrepreneurs :) #startupchats

@Startup_Canada @MastercardCA I worked in male-dominated industry for most of my corporate career & am in networking groups where I am 1 still of the few women in the room. Value what you bring to the table and be yourself. #startupchats

Q8 How can we help women succeed in male-dominated industries? What barriers still need to be broken down? @MastercardCA #StartupChats

@Startup_Canada @MastercardCA I have personally benefited from @GroYourBiz and the incubator program run by @eleanorbeaton. Other great programs @StrikeupCanada @Startup_Canada obviously. Accountability, mentoring, community are important. #startupchats

Q7 What programs help women entrepreneurs succeed the most? Which ones have you benefited from? @MastercardCA #StartupChats

@Startup_Canada @MastercardCA A6. Make connections, referrals, boost events/programs/course within my network, share resources etc. listen and support when things are going wrong and celebrate when things are going well! #startupchatsA

Q6 How can women support one another? How do you support fellow women entrepreneurs? @MastercardCA #StartupChats

Agree Tracey. More access to funding options is definitely needed. Plus, studies have shown that women entrepreneurs are more likely to pay back loans vs. their male counterparts so access should not be an issue.

@Startup_Canada @MastercardCA It's important to see and learn from what other women-identifying entrepreneurs are doing. You can't be what you can't see and it's important to make entrepreneurship accessible to as many women as possible. #startupchats

Q4 On our Startup Women Podcast, we share stories of women-identifying entrepreneurs. Why are our stories important? @MastercardCA #StartupChats

@Startup_Canada @MastercardCA Lots - particularly how to grow the business, get into new markets etc. I built a strong network, took courses and worked with a business coach. Always being open to new connections and new things. #startupchats

Q3 What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur? How did you overcome it? @MastercardCA #StartupChats

Absolutely - representation matters! #startupchats

@Startup_Canada @MastercardCA A2. Women, in general, tend to be more collaborative and supportive of other women and having more women entrepreneurs contributes to a stronger ecosystem. #startupchats

Q2 Why do we need Canadian women entrepreneurs as role models? How do they help us? @MastercardCA #StartupChats

@Startup_Canada @MastercardCA @bissettfinfit @eleanorbeaton @pplbright @brandingbybritt @evajanotta @TraceyLuel @MMhachey @SparkHRInc @lindakern @LisaKember to name just a few

Q1 Let’s start off with a round of applause for incredible women entrepreneurs. Who are some women that stand out to you? Let’s tag them! @MastercardCA #StartupChats

@THINK_Lyndon Happy to be here!

@infoSandstone hey Sandra, great to see you again for today's #StartupChats

Welcome to #StartupChats! My name is Lyndon @THINK_Lyndon. I'm the Founder of THINK DIFFERENTLY & GM of COMMS.BAR - a walk-in communications clinic for entrepreneurs. I will be your host for the next hour!